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De-Risking Exploration for Geothermal Plays in Magmatic Environments Through Open-Source Tools: An Open-Source Python Framework for 2D and 3D Play Fairway Analysis

  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Reykjavik Energy

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

The De-Risking Exploration for Geothermal Plays in Magmatic Environments (DEEPEN) project seeks to accelerate superhot geothermal development by reducing exploration risk through advanced open-source modeling tools. This work presents a novel Python-based framework, geoPFA, for conducting 2D and 3D play fairway analysis (PFA) tailored to superhot geothermal systems. Building on previous methodologies, the framework integrates thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical simulation outputs from TReactMech, resulting in improved representation of subsurface properties that are critical to superhot resource producibility. The workflow has been applied to the Nesjavellir field in Iceland, a candidate site for the third Iceland Deep Drilling Project's superhot production scenarios. This application demonstrates the value of modular, transparent, and extensible workflows for integrating geological, geophysical, and simulation-derived datasets in high-enthalpy environments. Preliminary results indicate favorable zones consistent with known hydrothermal activity and suggest possible upflow from the Hengill volcanic system. The geoPFA library is publicly available, offering a scalable and reproducible approach to geothermal exploration across varied geological contexts.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages21
StatePublished - 2026
EventGeothermal Rising Conference 2025 - Reno, Nevada
Duration: 26 Oct 202529 Oct 2025

Conference

ConferenceGeothermal Rising Conference 2025
CityReno, Nevada
Period26/10/2529/10/25

NLR Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-6A20-95762

Keywords

  • exploration
  • open-source software
  • play fairway analysis
  • subsurface characterization
  • superhot

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